Alex Malcolm
Published: Oct 1, 2026, 3:14 AM (4 mins ago)
Former England wicketkeeper-batter Jonny Bairstow is heading to play in Australia later in the year after signing with Melbourne Renegades for his first stint in the BBL.
Bairstow, 37, is well known to Australian fans having been a central figure in Ashes flashpoints over the past 15 years but has never previously played in the BBL after a proposed stint with Melbourne Stars in 2020 did not eventuate.
Bairstow has a connection with Renegades' high performance manager Clint McKay dating back to 2010 when McKay played at Yorkshire. Renegades were searching for versatile top-order wicketkeeper batter after the departure of Tim Seifert to Sydney Sixers and Bairstow's experience made him an obvious choice.
"I've always loved playing in Australia. The crowds are passionate and I've always enjoyed that side of the contest," Bairstow said.
"I'm really excited about joining the Renegades. Having the MCG as our home ground is pretty special and I'm looking forward to getting out there, playing the way I play and hopefully entertaining the fans.
"I know there's been a bit of history over the years and I'm sure I'll hear plenty about it when I get over there. That's part of the fun of it."
Bairstow's history with Australia is colourful having been on three Ashes tours down under. He made two Test hundreds in Perth and Sydney but is better remembered by Australian fans for the Alex Carey stumping at Lord's in 2023 as well as a bizarre "headbutt" incident with Cameron Bancroft in Perth in 2017.
Renegades coach Luke Ronchi said he was thrilled to get a player of Bairstow's quality for the entire season.
"Jonny has been one of the most damaging white-ball batters in world cricket for a long period of time and we're delighted to have him joining us," Ronchi said.
"He's played 100 Test matches, won World Cups and performed in some of the biggest games and competitions around the world. That experience is incredibly valuable to our group.
"But just as importantly, he plays the game in a way that we want to play. He's aggressive, he puts pressure back on the opposition and he's capable of changing a game very quickly.
"We're building a squad that we believe can play an exciting and aggressive brand of cricket and Jonny is a great fit for that."
Bairstow's signing follows Ben Stokes' return to the BBL with Adelaide Strikers. Zak Crawley is headed back to Perth Scorchers while the Overton twins will play for Melbourne Stars this season. Tom Curran has moved up to Brisbane Heat.
Alex Malcolm is an associate editor at Cricinfo